Miami beats defending national champ Ohio State 24-14 in the CFP quarterfinal at Cotton Bowl

Keionte Scott returned an interception 72 yards for a touchdown as the Hurricanes shocked the Buckeyes

Apr. 19, 2026 at 5:24pm

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No. 10 Miami upset defending national champion Ohio State 24-14 in the first College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl. Keionte Scott returned an interception 72 yards for a touchdown, and Carson Beck threw a TD pass as the Hurricanes advanced to the CFP semifinals.

Why it matters

This result is a major upset, as Ohio State was the No. 2 seed in the CFP and a 9.5-point favorite. Miami, making its first CFP appearance, has now won two playoff games to reach the final four, one win away from playing for a national championship in their home stadium.

The details

Miami's defense made key plays, with Scott's 72-yard interception return for a TD and the Hurricanes sacking Ohio State freshman QB Julian Sayin five times. Carson Beck, a transfer from Georgia, threw a 9-yard TD pass to Mark Fletcher Jr. Miami also got a 49-yard field goal and a late rushing TD.

  • Miami returned the interception for a TD just 1:42 after their first TD drive.
  • Ohio State's only TD came in the third quarter, ending a four-quarter scoreless drought.

The players

Keionte Scott

A Miami defensive back who returned an interception 72 yards for a touchdown, his second pick-six of the season.

Carson Beck

The Miami quarterback, a transfer from Georgia, threw a 9-yard TD pass and completed 19 of 26 passes for 138 yards.

Mark Fletcher Jr.

The Miami running back had a 9-yard TD reception and rushed for 90 yards on 19 carries, earning offensive MVP honors.

Julian Sayin

The Ohio State freshman quarterback was 22-of-35 passing for 287 yards with 2 interceptions and 1 TD.

Jeremiah Smith

The Ohio State wide receiver, a Miami native, caught 7 passes for 157 yards and a 14-yard TD.

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What they’re saying

“I was full of emotions. ... That was a pretty cool moment. Just having fun. ... That's what this team relies on, man, just going out there playing free and just having fun.”

— Keionte Scott, Miami defensive back

“It is 100% not about me. I'm part of their team, I'm a part of that family. It is my obligation as a former Miami Hurricane player and all the things that Miami did for my brother and I to do my best to try to provide these guys with even better opportunities so they can fulfill all the great things they are destined for.”

— Mario Cristobal, Miami head coach

“We worked really hard during the last three weeks leading up to this game to come out of the gates and win the first quarter, win the first half, be ready to go. I think the guys bought into it. But at the end of the day, we didn't get it done.”

— Ryan Day, Ohio State head coach

“Just the way that this team has responded to adversity. We knew coming into today that it wasn't going to be easy.”

— Carson Beck, Miami quarterback

What’s next

Miami will face the winner of the Georgia vs. Ole Miss game in the CFP semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl on January 8. Ohio State is scheduled to open the 2026 season at home against Ball State on September 5.

The takeaway

This upset victory shows that Miami has built a formidable program under coach Mario Cristobal, a former Hurricanes player, and is now one win away from playing for a national championship in its home stadium. The loss ends Ohio State's bid to repeat as national champions.